You must respond to at least two (2) of the following questions. Consider these questions with the information in your textbooks in mind, but feel free to use other sources as needed to add to the conversation. Acknowledge in the subject line of your thread which question is being answered (i.e., “Discussion: Introduction to John, Question 1”).
List at least 5 scholars who have had an important role in the history of interpretation of John’s Gospel and identify their contribution. Which of these 5 do you think offers an approach that best helps us to understand the Gospel of John today? Which offers the least helpful approach? Be sure to provide reasons for your answers.
Name 3 factors that led to a rehabilitation of John’s Gospel in recent decades. Which of these 3 factors are most important to you? Why? In what way do you think these factors help you to communicate better the message of John?
Set forth in consecutive logical order the various pieces of internal evidence from John’s Gospel that support Johannine authorship. What external evidence supports this material? Briefly discuss why it is important to show that John authored the Fourth Gospel.
Discuss the place and date of writing of John’s Gospel as well as its occasion and purpose. Offer evidence to support your views. How does the purpose of John’s Gospel relate to the modern reader? What role does John’s Gospel play in the spiritual journey of believers and non-believers today?
DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
The student will complete five (5) Discussions in this course. The student will post two (2) threads of at least 400 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET):. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least three (3) scholarly citations from a minimum of two (2) sources in current Turabian format. Each reply must incorporate at least one (1) scholarly citation in current Turabian format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the Bible, textbooks, scholarly articles, and online sources approved by your instructor.